How to Find LPN Programs in Pennsylvania

In order to become a new Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, students are required to successfully complete a practical nursing program. approved by the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing.

LPN programs in Pennsylvania usually take around one year to complete. Upon the successful completion of such a program, graduates of nursing programs in Pennsylvania become eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam.

Most LPN programs in Pennsylvania offer special courses towards the end of the course of study to prepare them well. If you think of something totally different, like teaching English to speakers of other languages, see here how they prepare them to take this crucial test.

After successfully passing the NCLEX-PN exam, a new graduate of LPN programs in PA can apply for their practical nursing license and officially hold the title of LPN.

All of the accredited LPN programs in Pennsylvania are designed to prepare their students with all of the knowledge and skills they will need to function as part of a healthcare team. For Nursing Schools in Maryland click here.

Usually, an LPN, whatever healthcare setting they eventually work in will be called upon to assist in planning, implementing and assessing patient care, usually under the direct supervision of an RN, physicians assistant or doctor. Read more on RN to BSN programs here.

A Brief History of Practical Nursing

Prospective nursing students have several options when it comes to choosing the level of nursing education they choose to undertake. LPN programs in PA and elsewhere are an increasingly popular choice.

The first LPNs were licensed back in the late 19th century but practical nurses became especially sought after during World War II when a severe shortage of nurses was a real problem.

It was discovered that by training more practical nurses to take care of the basic needs of patients the more skilled RNs could get on with more advanced care, a rationale that continues on to the present day.

LPN programs in Pennsylvania began becoming more common in the 1950s and today there are dozens of accredited LPN programs in Pennsylvania offered in almost every area of the Commonwealth. Quite a few nurses began their career by first earning their CNA Certificate.

The Board of Vocational Nurse Examiners (BVNE) was created in 1951. The first licenses for practical from this board were granted by waiver, based on experience and physician affidavits.

In 1952, the first examinations for practical nurses began, and no more licenses were granted by waiver. By 1955, all US states, including Pennsylvania had their own strict licensing rules in effect and from then on the LPN was an official designation.
Finding Accredited LPN Programs in Pennsylvania

In order for LPN programs in Pennsylvania to be accredited, they must meet strict standards set by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. Accreditation is not a one-time thing either, schools are constantly accessed to make sure that they are meeting the standards at all times.

For prospective nursing students that means they can be assured that the education they are paying for is comprehensive enough to give them a good start on the road to working as an LPN.